Nutrien Ltd. (TSX/NYSE: NTR) has sold 20,166,319 Series B common shares, being 100% of its Series B stake, in Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. (SQM) (NYSE: SQM) to Chilean investors, certain other non-U.S. persons and to qualified institutional buyers at approximately US $49.34 per share for gross proceeds of approximately US $1.0 billion.
The transaction was conducted by means of a bookbuild auction on the Santiago Stock Exchange (SSE) in a process known as subasta de libro de ordene.
On May 17, 2018, Nutrien entered into an agreement with Tianqi Lithium Corporation (SZSE: 002466) to sell its entire Class A stake in SQM, being 62,556,568 “A shares” for consideration of $65 per share in cash for gross proceeds of approximately US $4.07 billion. The transaction is expected to close in Q4 2018.
SQM is an integrated producer and distributor of lithium, iodine, specialty plant nutrients, potassium-related fertilizers and industrial chemicals.
photo credirt: SQM
News Release
NYSE, TSX: NTR
June 6, 2018
Nutrien Announces the Closing of the Placement of SQM Series B Shares Through Auction Process on the Santiago Stock Exchange
Calgary, Alberta – Nutrien Ltd. (“Nutrien”) announces the closing of the placement of 100 percent of its Series B common shares in Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. (“SQM”) to Chilean investors, certain other non-U.S. persons and to qualified institutional buyers (“QIBs”) within the meaning of Rule 144A under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). The Placement was conducted by means of a bookbuild auction on the Santiago Stock Exchange in a process known as subasta de libro de ordenes, in compliance with Chilean law and the rules of the Santiago Stock Exchange. The Santiago Stock Exchange published the results of the order book auction process through which Nutrien’s Series B SQM shares were placed, with 20,166,319 shares sold at a price of approximately U.S.$49.34 per share, for gross proceeds to Nutrien of approximately U.S.$1.0 billion.
BofA Merrill Lynch and Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC acted as Global Coordinators and Joint Bookrunners for the placement. Banchile Corredores de Bolsa S.A. and BTG Pactual Chile S.A. Corredores de Bolsa also acted as Joint Bookrunners. Banchile Corredores de Bolsa S.A. served as structuring agent on execution of the placement.
This announcement does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which any offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification of such securities under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No securities have been registered under the Securities Act, and any securities that may be offered may only be sold to QIBs, to non-U.S. persons outside the United States in compliance with Regulation S under the Securities Act or pursuant to another applicable exemption from registration under the Securities Act and, and in each case, in compliance with applicable securities laws.
About Nutrien
Nutrien is the world’s largest provider of crop inputs and services, playing a critical role in helping growers increase food production in a sustainable manner. We produce and distribute over 26 million tonnes of potash, nitrogen and phosphate products world-wide. With this capability and our leading agriculture retail network, we are well positioned to supply the needs of our customers. We operate with a long-term view and are committed to working with our stakeholders as we address our economic, environmental and social priorities. The scale and diversity of our integrated portfolio provides a stable earnings base, multiple avenues for growth and the opportunity to return capital to shareholders.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Investor and Media Relations:
Richard Downey
Vice President, Investor & Corporate Relations
(403) 225-7357
Investor Relations:
Jeff Holzman
Senior Director, Investor Relations
(306) 933-8545
Todd Coakwell
Director, Investor Relations
(403) 225-7437
Contact us at: www.nutrien.com